Back to the College Football Uniforms
Made famous by the “bad boys” in the 80s and 90s, the University of Miami has exemplified Nike’s “swag” campaign with cutting-edge uniforms and minor shell alterations over the last two decades.
The Hurricanes have donned their current white shell with green and orange stripes since 1984. The widely-recognizable “U” logo was first used in 1972. Since then, Miami’s orange and white scheme with a hint of green has stayed the course. The Hurricanes have the choice of orange tops or green tops at home and three different colored pants on the road.
Miami was the first program to sign an “all-sport” apparel and footwear contract with Nike in the early 90s. Michigan, North Carolina, USC, Illinois, Penn State and Alabama eventually followed suit.
The Hurricanes donned metallic gold shells in 1967 with a Weather Channel-esque Hurricane logo then revisited the look for a game against North Carolina in 2005. In 1969, a gold helmet with a football image etched with a “100″ was worn to commemorate 100 years of football at the university.
One of Miami’s most intimidating looks is its white shell-green jersey-green pants combo with bright orange accents. No word yet on when the Hurricanes will incorporate army fatigues into their gameday attire.
During Miami’s back-to-back BCS title game appearances in 2001 and 2002, the Hurricanes donned traditional green and white uniforms with a slight flair. Across the chest was a strip that widened as it approached the underarm, a subtle change to a classic style. Numbers outlined in orange looked clean.
Given the opportunity, Nike has used Miami heavily for exposure in its Pro Combat arsenal. Metallic green helmets were on display with an all-orange top and pants uniform in 2010. Prior to that, green shells last appeared in Coral Gables in 1975.
